Results may vary: Reducing energy usage with cool roofs Highly reflective roofs, or ‘cool roofs,’ have been used throughout the country as an urban heat island reduction strategy, and as an energy saving measure for many years. The implementation began in warm climates such as California, Texas, and Florida. |
A Look at Cool Roof Options Providing roofs with a reflective surface is not a new concept. For example, asphalt coatings with leafing aluminum pigment have always promoted the benefit of reducing interior temperatures while slowing the oxidation of the waterproofing membrane. However, the term ‘cool roofing’ was more recently coined with the increased focus on the reduction of energy consumption. This article examines options from built-up roofs (BURs) to modified-bitumen (mod-bit) systems to single-ply membranes. |
TPO on Top: Why the Roofing Material Continues to Shine by Mike Mendoza As building codes and environmental trends continue to evolve, so too does the diversity of roofing material options. These factors, along with others, make construction specifiers’ roofing installation and selection prowess of utmost importance. Among the available choices is thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). |